Teens Are A Delight Every Day

Education - Teacher of the week

October 31, 1999

Name: Gayle Goodridge

School: Television production teacher at Lyman High School in Longwood.

Education and experience: One of a handful of Florida teachers who is certified in television production. Has more than 15 years of industry experience - from film production to industrial and broadcast video production. Worked with MRC Films in New York, the Department of Defense research laboratories in Newport, R.I., and New London, Conn., and Videomark Inc. in Altamonte Springs. Completed courses for education certification at the University of Central Florida.

Reason for becoming a teacher: I love teenagers. Every day there is something new. You never know what to expect, and I thrive on the unexpected. In my program, I have students for all four years of high school. It is a pleasure to watch them grow up and to think I had the opportunity to influence their lives.

Greatest moment as a teacher: Watching my students leave high school and begin their lives - some on to college and some to work. Many of them stay in touch by e-mail and visits. The pride I feel through their accomplishments was something that I was unprepared for before becoming an educator.

Most embarrassing moment as a teacher: Standing in front of my first freshman class and presenting the most exciting introductory lesson on television production ever given, only to realize from their dazed expressions that my ninth-graders hadn't understood one word I had said. Blame it on my Massachusetts-Mississippi accent.

Favorite aspects of being a teacher: The laughter. Teenagers are fun, and I love to laugh. I've always heard that laughter is the best medicine, and I teach my students that hard work and laughter go great together. Also, giving the students something I didn't have as a teenager - an adult at school who could be counted on, not to just say what I wanted to hear, but who cared enough to be brutally honest when necessary.

Least favorite part of teaching: The lack of funding available to make sure students have enough material so that we can give them the type of education that they need to go to work and be successful.

Favorite movies: The Abyss.

Last book you read: Yesterday I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant.

Favorite hobbies: Sports and the Occupational Cluster Club at Lyman High.

Family: Son, James, and daughter, Nikki.

If you weren't a teacher, what would you be and why?: I would be working in the television production industry because I enjoy facing different challenges daily and love production work.